**US Seeks Rare Earths Partnership with Brazil Amid Growing Dependence on China** The United States is pursuing a partnership with Brazil to secure access to critical rare earth minerals, a move aimed at reducing its reliance on China, which currently dominates the global supply chain. This development comes as the US seeks to diversify its sources of essential materials, particularly in the wake of ongoing trade tensions with China. According to sources, the US has been in talks with Brazil's government since **2020** to establish a rare earths partnership. The proposed agreement would grant American companies access to Brazil's rich mineral deposits, including the country's largest rare earths mine, the Jangada Mines project in the state of Bahia. The partnership would also enable Brazil to develop its own processing facilities, reducing its dependence on Chinese refining capabilities. Brazil's government has expressed concerns about the potential environmental and social impacts of the partnership, citing the need for rigorous environmental assessments and strict regulations to mitigate any negative effects. Brazilian Environment Minister, **Ricardo Salles**, has stated that the country will not compromise on its environmental standards, emphasizing the importance of sustainable mining practices. "We cannot sacrifice our environment for the sake of economic gains," Salles said in a *statement* to *The New York Times*. "Brazil has a responsibility to protect its natural resources and ensure that any mining activities are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner." The proposed partnership has also raised concerns among Brazilian lawmakers, who have called for greater transparency and public input on the deal. Senator **Randolfe Rodrigues**, a member of the Brazilian Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, has expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with rare earth mining, including water pollution and the displacement of local communities. "We need to ensure that any agreement with the US is fair and beneficial to Brazil, not just a handout to American companies," Rodrigues said in a *statement* to *Bloomberg*. The US-Brazil rare earths partnership is part of a broader effort by the US to reduce its dependence on China, which currently supplies over **80%** of the world's rare earth minerals. The US has identified rare earths as a critical component in the production of advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and defense equipment. As the global demand for these technologies continues to grow, the US is seeking to secure reliable and sustainable sources of rare earth minerals to support its domestic industries.